Olympic Games Beijing 2008

Beijing 2008

Date8 August - 24 August
CountryChina
Athletes10942
Teams204
Events302
Beijing 2008

About the Games

Records Tumble

Beijing was the Games of records and superlatives. The Opening Ceremony was unforgettable; the athletes’ achievements were astonishing, the organisation was excellent; the venues, breathtaking and the anti-doping tests were stricter. Several hundred million watched worldwide on TV as more than 40 world records and over 130 Olympic records were broken.

Modern and Ancient

The National Stadium, nick-named the “Bird’s Nest”, and the National Swimming Centre, known as the “Water Cube”, were both stunning symbols of the new Beijing. In cycling, the road race followed the Great Wall and passed in front of the “Forbidden City”—two symbols of the thousand-year-old history of the city.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Legacy

Discover the lasting legacy that this edition of the Olympic Games created for its hosts.

First Medals

A record 204 National Olympic Committees took part in the Games. Some 87 of them celebrated their medal-winning athletes. Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Mauritius and Togo all experienced podium finishes for the first time. Tajikistan won its first medals thanks to Rasul Boqiev in judo and Yusup Abdusalomov in wrestling; Afghanistan stepped up on to the podium thanks to Rohullah Nikpai in taekwondo.

All Medals

Medal Table

See the list of teams and medals won by each.

Beijing
2008

Featured Athletes

All Athletes
Gold
Silver
Bronze
  • JamaicaJamaica
    2G
    -
    -
  • People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of China
    2G
    -
    -
  • United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    8G
    -
    -
  • NetherlandsNetherlands
    1G
    -
    -
  • Replays from
    Beijing 2008

    All Replays
    Beijing
    2008

    Discover the Games

    The Brand

    A visual identity is developed for each edition of the Olympic Games.

    Brand

    Brand

    The Medals

    Beginning as an olive wreath, medal designs have evolved over the years.

    Medals

    Medals

    The Mascot

    An original image, it must give concrete form to the Olympic spirit.

    Mascot

    Mascot

    The Torch

    An iconic part of any Olympic Games, each host offers their unique version.

    Torch

    Torch
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    BEIJING - AUGUST 22: Lena Schoeneborn of Germany #1 begins the 3000m run discipline before finishing
    first to win the gold medal in the women's modern pentathlon at the Olympic Sports Center... More
    Picture by by Clive Rose/Getty Images